Newest Blue Jay showing he can add to team’s defensive strength in 2026

When the Toronto Blue Jays made their big splash this offseason with the signing of Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, they knew exactly what he could provide with his bat. Not only can Okamoto hit with power, he could also hit for average while maintaining solid plate discipline at the same time. However, one area of suspect in particular was his defense, as the Blue Jays wondered if he could handle the duties respectably at third base over the course of the season.

Well, Okamoto made a statement about that recently at the 2026 World Baseball Classic playing for Team Japan. In fact, the newest Blue Jay showed that he could actually add to Toronto’s defensive strength in 2026.

Newest Blue Jay showing he can add to team’s defensive strength in 2026

During the second inning in a pool game between Japan and Australia, Okamoto made a nice play charging on a slow grounder and gracefully throwing out the runner at first base by a step. 

That is the type of play one would have expected from Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement in 2025. But seeing Okamoto handle it cleanly to convert the play sure exudes a lot more confidence that he should be just fine at the hot corner for Toronto.

To further justify his abilities in the field, the 29-year-old Japanese star has posted a strong .977 fielding percentage in over 1454 chances while playing third over his nine seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball. Okamoto joins an infield filled with former Gold Glovers in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andrés Giménez, along with the sure-handed steady glove of Clement. With that defensive lineup, the Blue Jays could have one of the best defensive infields in all of baseball heading into the 2026 season.

Before leaving for the WBC, Okamoto played in four Spring Training games with the Blue Jays and the results so far have been terrific, as he has compiled a .400 batting average, 1.289 OPS, along with two runs scored, two doubles, one home run and four RBIs. And of course, there’s also this unique celebration that Blue Jays fans will quickly come to adore for sure.

With Japan ultimately suffering a shocking loss to Venezuela in the quarterfinals of the 2026 WBC, Okamoto will now be coming home and returning to the Blue Jays earlier than expected. With the lit fire that is likely inside of him as a result of the early exit by Japan this time around, he can now use that to motivate and power himself into what could be a big season ahead with Toronto.